Too many Trans-Tasman airports?
Read this today. Yet another small NZ regional trying to become an international airport. Other wanna be's I can think of are Rotorua and Invercargill. Both of which have not managed to attract scheduled services yet. What does everbody think money well spent? or complete overkill and wishful thinking?
Hawke's Bay Airport is looking to introduce trans-Tasman flights as part of an ambitious long-term development plan costing tens of millions of dollars.
The plan, to be presented to Napier City Council tomorrow, calls for an initial 590-metre extension to the main runway so it can handle fully laden jets on domestic routes.
This $8 million extension, backed by the shareholding Napier and Hastings councils, would take the runway to a total length of 1900 metres and is due to be completed by 2010.
Beyond that, the plan looks at extending the runway a further 350 metres and enlarging the terminal building to allow flights to and from Australia.
Napier and Hastings councils, which between them own half the airport, are waiting for the Government - which owns the other half - to approve proposals to turn the airport into a corporation, letting the airport invest in the development.
The plan also includes the development of a business park and accommodation such as motels and hotels to be built around a new access road joining Watchman Rd and then State Highway 2 at the junction with Meeanee Quay.
The airport also proposes to build hangars and facilities for aircraft maintenance, a new apron and extra car parking, including some covered car parks.